2003–2005 Mercedes-Benz E Class, 2003–2004 Mercedes-Benz SL Class Recall: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE SENSOTRONIC…
NHTSA campaign 04V296000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · filed Jun 22, 2004 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) IS DESIGNED TO MONITOR THE PRESSURE GRADIENT WITHIN THE HIGH PRESSURE LINE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. IF AN UNACCEPTABLE PRESSURE GRADIENT IS DETECTED, THE SYSTEM WILL SWITCH, AS IT IS DESIGNED TO DO, INTO THE HYDRAULIC FUNCTION MODE.
The risk
IF VEHICLES ARE NOT ROUTINELY SERVICED AND HAVE EXTREMELY HIGH MILEAGE COMBINED WITH A HIGH NUMBER OF BRAKE ACTUATIONS, OR A HIGH BRAKE ACTUATION FREQUENCY, THE PUMP MOTOR OF THE SBC MAY RUN OUT OF PERMISSIBLE TOLERANCES, THEREBY TRIGGERING THE HYDRAULIC FUNCTION MODE.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SBC HYDRAULIC UNIT, REPLACING IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 21M 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2004 050014.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Affected vehicles
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz | E Class | 2003, 2004, 2005 |
| Mercedes-Benz | SL Class | 2003, 2004 |
Related recalls
More Mercedes-Benz E Class recalls
- 2007–2008 Mercedes-Benz C and 18 other models — Electrical System
- 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class and 2 other models — ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC)…
- 2004 Mercedes-Benz C Class and 2 other models — ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SOME SEAT BELT BUCKLES MAY…
- 2003 Mercedes-Benz E Class — ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE NUT ON THE BOLT WHICH…
- 1997 Mercedes-Benz E Class — VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES
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All Mercedes-Benz E Class recalls → · All Mercedes-Benz recalls →
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 04V296000 (manufacturer number 2004050014). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.